The FA Cup brings back good memories for Brimscombe and Thrupp after they reached the third qualifying round of the tournament last year, writes Johnny Morton .

The Lilywhites recorded victories over Henley Town, Highmoor Ibis, Peacehaven and Telscombe and Brislington before their cup run was brought to an end by Southern League Premier side Weymouth.

Saturday brings another opportunity for Sam Prior's side to create more cup magic for themselves when they host Sun Sports.

"We know from last season how good a vibe you can get going around the club from a really good cup run," said Prior.

"We won four games and went through five rounds culminating in the Weymouth game. It's good for the club because financially it can be of massive benefit, and it's good for the players to play in a competition as prestigious as the FA Cup.

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"The boys will be much better for having played a game last night, and I think it will stand us in good stead and we can bring that into Saturday and try and go to Hayes and Yeading and enjoy that day."

Sun Sports compete in the Spartan South Midlands League, and Prior is expecting a stern test at The Meadow this weekend.

"I'm expecting a very tough game," he added. "They are quite a strong side, and quite a big side. As far as I'm aware they had a cup run last season which was like ours, a record for them.

"It'll be what they are like on the day, and it'll be the same for them as well. We will be doing everything we can do to make sure we don't have to go to Watford on a Tuesday night for a replay!"

Brimscombe kicked their Hellenic League Premier Division season off with a 1-1 draw against fellow Gloucestershire side Longlevens on Wednesday night and Prior was pleased with what he saw.

"I was happy with the overall performance," he said.

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"It took us a while to grow into the game. We had eight days off from our final pre-season friendly, and it took us a while to get the legs and heads going a little bit. Once we did, we grew into it really well and created more clear-cut chances.

"We should have had a stonewall penalty in the first half which was turned down as well. The goal we scored was a well worked corner and a good header from Kyle.

Kyle Pitts

"In the second half we switched off a bit and allowed the ball to go into the front man. It was a good shot that moved a lot and it was spilled by the keeper was well followed up.

"Overall, I think we just edged it. Longlevens defended heroically at times throwing their bodies on the line. Before the game we probably would have taken a point in all honesty, just to make sure we were starting with something away from home and it was a good performance."

It was the first appearance for goalkeeper Ross Grimshaw who signed on-loan from Cheltenham Town, and Prior says the young stopper will benefit from senior experience.

"He kicked well and it was good experience for him," he said.

"I know he was slightly disappointed after the game because he thought he should have done better, but the ball moved a lot on him and it happens and you get punished at this level.

"It's good experience for him, and it's good for us to have a player coming from Cheltenham like him, and he will be a plus for us whenever we need him."